Ford’s first factory-built station wagon hit the roads in 1929. With a body made mostly of wood from the company’s own forests, that early wagon started a trend catering to elite buyers that lasted for decades. Hotels used station wagons to ferry travelers from the train station to holiday destinations; the upscale purpose imbued wagons with a swanky reputation that blossomed over the years. Later wagons were expensive, maintenance-intensive, and rare – sold to the few buyers who wanted to impress. In the early 1950s, though, Ford shifted to an all-steel body, using Di-Noc or fiberglass woodgrain trim. This move dramatically reduced manufacturing costs while broadening the wagon’s appeal. Wood-bodied wagons – faux or not, Pinto through LTD – were called Squires under Ford’s nomenclature. The last example was made in 1991. Here on eBay is a well-kept 1972 LTD Country Squire, bid to $6200 with no reserve in play. Returning home in this wagon from the seller’s garage in Calgary, Alberta would make an excellent nice road trip!
The 1970s launched the Malaise Era – an onslaught of regulations that outran automakers’ ability to innovate. Coping with restrictive emissions controls and fuel efficiency edicts was largely achieved by reducing compression and power and hanging PCV valves, catalytic converters, and other bits onto the car’s engine bay and underside. To deflect from diminished power, companies offered a variety of engines in an attempt to at least maintain consumer choice. This example is equipped with a 400 cu. in. V8 paired with an automatic transmission. Ambitious drivers could opt for 429 4V. If there’s a weak point to this car, it’s the condition of the engine bay – a weekend and the right elixirs can transform the underhood appearance.
The interior is slathered in tan vinyl. The seating is cushy, at least for most of the occupants; the two rear jump seats are less inviting. Ford’s “Command Center Control Panel” clustered the gauges and switches within easy reach of the driver. Everything is in great condition; even the driver’s side door trim is nearly pristine.
Our seller notes a few nearly infinitesimal flaws in the paint and the faux woodgrain. Only one rust spot – also hard to see – mars the finish. That’s the Magic Doorgate we’re looking at, capable of three positions. Wagons often came from the factory with a modicum of picnic equipment. Factory or not, the sale includes a carpeted pad for use on the grass at your next outing. As well-appointed as this wagon is, its price should remain reasonable. Very fine examples sell in the high four-figure/low six-figure area.
Seems to good to be true. How do you put over 100,000 miles on a car and it still looks brand new? It’s a beautiful find with a big engine and factory A/C. I hope it finds a good home.
Looks like it only actually has 51k miles on it. What a beauty!
Acres of vinyl indeed. Looks as good as leather and more practical. Speaking of which, that interior looks big enough to party in.
Looks good. I love the period-correct colors. Recent maintenance. The seller, to their credit, has even provided pics of the various scratches in the paint and woodgrain vinyl. Another “needs whitewalls” vehicle.
Lots to like here. A definite “hey look, we had one of those” cars for the local cruise-in.
Good job Michelle.
So true on the white stripe tires and the “hey look” reference. These were everywhere growing up. Too many did derby battle by those who would never be seen driving a wagon.
That vinyl interior looks comfy. I like the luxury steering wheel with the cruise control.
If there was ever a car that needs a 1″ white wall, it’s this wagon. It would dress it up nicely. Nice wagon otherwise.
White letter tires on a country squire?
I so miss seeing vehicles like this on the road. This one is a beauty. It will be interesting to see the final bid. Someone may come away with a bargain.
Just beautiful when America built cars and station wagons. We are going down ward in this country. I was 16 when this car was new. Dad bought one. Took my drivers test in it.
So, how does one put 100k miles on a vehicle and keep it looking new? Take care of it! Wash it weekly, wax it monthly, and drive it prudently, keep it in good repair. My 30 year old Lincoln looks new from 50 feet, but the dead giveaway is the body design discontinued in 97. Nice wagon, ugly color iMO.
Looks like it only has 51k miles on it. What a beauty!
I see a 24oz bean can zip tied to the driver’s side fender. Ques pa?
We had one just like this one – only it was the Mercury Colony Park version and it had the 4-barrel 429 V-8. Same colors and everything. I don’t remember if ours had the “cruise control buttons “ on the steering wheel or not, ( I was 10yrs old and it was in 1974). This Country Squire is actually in VERY GOOD condition considering how many years it’s survived ! The 1972’s still had some pretty good performance, granted ours had the 429-4barrel but the acceleration AND fuel economy were not terrible. I remember my dad REALLY getting upset about .72 cents a gallon for premium gas, but you know what ? We just kept going – all the way to the Carlsbad Caverns in our ( as my dad put it) Lincoln Continental station wagon. Well he wasn’t too far off, I think they shared the same underpinnings minus the 460 that the Lincoln used. ANYWAY – I do remember my dad calculated the gas mileage for our 1972 Mercury Colony Park wagon on that road trip and we got 17mpg ( highway) not too bad. Good luck to the new owner! Great article too !
Some of the pictures look like they were taken just after being driven home from the dealership.
It looks to be in incredible shape for the age / mileage.
Loved the rim blow horn,the “change drawer” underneath the left dash and the cigar sized ashtray rolling on ball bearings to the right!